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Snowflake warning flag question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by deramirez, Jan 19, 2007.

  1. deramirez

    deramirez New Member

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    I have a question for the knowledgable among you. I have seen the snowflake warning flag pop up during cold weather driving. From what I have seen in other threads, it is a warning to the driver. I'm wondering if maybe the Toyota engineers are also using the temperature data to modify how the hybrid system behaves. Does the computer have a "cold weather mode" it goes into below a certain temperature? I know the ICE seems to run longer and more often, presumeably to keep warm. Anybody know for sure?
     
    #1 deramirez, Jan 19, 2007
  2. Pinto Girl

    Pinto Girl New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dan Ramirez @ Jan 19 2007, 03:46 PM) [snapback]377920[/snapback]</div>
    I believe the HVAC might have different functions based on the ambient temperature (someone said something about 'recirc' being used more or less, I can't remember), but I don't think there's a 'cold weather mode' specifically built into the car's hybrid power system.

    The ICE does run longer during the winter, 'cause the car is likely using more power and depleting the battery more quickly; also, it's so that the engine stays warm for emissions reasons, I believe (and maybe so it starts right up when needed?)

    I thought the snowflake was more of a warning of potential ice conditions on the road...?

    I've got an '06, and it doesn't have the snowflake, but does seem to flash the temperature if it's nearing freezing.
     
    #2 Pinto Girl, Jan 19, 2007
  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The 2006 doesn't have the snowflake.

    Tom
     
    #3 qbee42, Jan 19, 2007
  4. scottmason

    scottmason New Member

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    I saw this indicator for the first time ever last week. Ihave had the Prius for 2 years now. I had to pull over and read the manual. Not to typical in Los Angeles, but this past week sure was cold
     
    #4 scottmason, Jan 22, 2007
  5. Bob Allen

    Bob Allen Captainbaba

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dan Ramirez @ Jan 20 2007, 04:46 AM) [snapback]377920[/snapback]</div>
    Lots of folks, including me, have installed foam pipe insulation into the grills of their cars to reduce the influx of cold air over the ICE which allows it to stay warmer and run less. Some claim mileage increases of 5 mpg. It's incredibly easy to do as the lengths out of the package are a perfect fit.
    B
     
    #5 Bob Allen, Jan 22, 2007
  6. Charles Suitt

    Charles Suitt Senior Member

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    :) My 2007 Touring Edition does not use the "Snowflake" but does pop a message up across the top of the MFD briefly indicating the OAT is at or below 37º F.
     
    #6 Charles Suitt, Jan 23, 2007
  7. coolfire74

    coolfire74 New Member

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    I have never seen the snowflake warning sign in my 06 prius though the temp is way below 0 degree. Is this feature avaliable in 2006 models?
     
    #7 coolfire74, Jan 24, 2007
  8. deramirez

    deramirez New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(coolfire74 @ Jan 24 2007, 05:12 PM) [snapback]380302[/snapback]</div>
    Yes, it's in the '06. It pops up on the MFD screen next to the tempeerature. It's only there for a few seconds, usually when the temp hits 37 deg. F. You have to be looking at the right time to see it. I guess I'm going to have to dig out the owner's manual to see what it has to say.
    Dan
     
    #8 deramirez, Jan 24, 2007
  9. slvr_phoenix

    slvr_phoenix Tinker Gnome

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dan Ramirez @ Jan 24 2007, 05:57 PM) [snapback]380358[/snapback]</div>
    Same for my '06. It has it, but you have to be looking at just the right time because it's gone pretty quickly.
     
    #9 slvr_phoenix, Jan 31, 2007
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